There comes a time in our lives that we would let go of the things at hand and turn to travel. We opt to get a breather. And if we want to have some life-changing experience that can only happen once, go and visit Manila, Philippines.
Why visit Manila in the first place?
1. To meet the friendly Pinoys.
Filipinos or Pinoys in the colloquial term, are known to be hospitable and friendly. When you befriend a Filipino, you get an extended family. They open their homes to you, and their community welcomes you with open arms. You might even get invited to their karaoke gathering.
Another plus, it’s easy to communicate with Pinoys in English. English is a second language in the Philippines due to the Americans taking over after the country got freed from the 300 years of Spanish rule. Even the unschooled knows some basic English.
2. To enjoy a gastronomic feast.
Due to the Philippines’ historical past of interacting with different nationalities, you’ll get to savor the fusion of foods: Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish, French, American, and Middle-eastern.
But first, taste the Filipinos’ adobo and sour soup they called ‘sinigang’ paired with rice.
And if you want your palate to be more adventurous, look for foods like taho (silken soybean, dark brown sugar syrup, and tapioca), fishballs, squidballs, kikiam, tukneneng (chicken or duck egg coated with orange batter), kwek-kwek (quail egg in orange batter).
Or show no fear in eating ‘balut’ (duck egg embryo), and street grilled foods like isaw (innards), Betamax (solidified mass of chicken or pork blood), Adidas (chicken feet), isol (chicken ass), or helmet (chicken head).
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But if you have a sweet-tooth, look for halu-halo (variety of sweet ingredients top with ice and poured with milk) or get glutinous rice products like suman, bibingka, sapin-sapin, puto bungbong, or bite-sized desserts like polvoron and pastillas.
3. To learn and immerse in history.
Have fun learning war and liberation history of the Philippines. At the same time, be an environment-friendly tourist by booking a Bambike tour starting at $20.
Move around the historical landmarks and museum riding a bamboo bicycle in the historic walled city of Intramuros to Fort Santiago then to Rizal Park (also known as Luneta), where Jose Rizal, Philippine’s national hero met his patriotic death.
Or do a chilly dungeon night walking tour of Fort Santiago for less than $10.
Go to Binondo, the world’s oldest China town, and relish Chinese foods like hopia, machang, mami, pancit. There is a street near it called Ongpin if you want to find affordable gold jewelry.
You may also visit the National Museum to have a more in-depth knowledge of Filipino history and culture.
4. To have fun taking Intagrammable pictures around the metropolis.
Take a selfie with the Lawton Post Office’s neoclassical building architecture behind you.
Visit the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest university in Asia at more than four-century-old and the largest Catholic university in the world. It was founded on April 28, 1611, and visited by three Roman Catholic popes – Pope Paul VI in1970, Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995, and Pope Francis in 2015.
If you love the creatures under the sea, drop by the Manila Ocean Park, an aquarium park located near Luneta Park.
You can take a selfie at the Bonifacio monument near the Manila City Hall then head to relax with weekend concerts at the Paco Park, one of Manila’s historical landmarks and oldest cemetery.
Watch the pretty Manila Bay sunset sitting on the pavement of Manila Baywalk at no cost at all and click some memorable pictures.
After this, stroll through the evening and get the feel of the European architecture vibe of the recently renovated Jones Bridge Manila.
Photo by Noel Navarro
Hop on to have some leisure time going to Bonifacio Global City and experience the BGC Street Art and Wall Murals, Art in Island, Venice Grand Canal, Happy World Art Museum Miracle Art, and The Mind Museum.
5. To jump to more adventures.
Try riding the kalesa (horse carriage), tricycle, multicabs, and the famous Filipino jeepneys.
Dare for more adventures just right outside the Metro. Do Tagaytay sight-seeing, Mt. Pinatubo trekking, or hike and climb at Masungi Geo Reserve.
6. To splash and get some water fun.
Manila serves as the springboard going to the Philippines’ magnificent beaches.
Go by land to Batangas, Puerto Galera, Subic, Bataan,Baler, La Union, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Zambales, Pagudpud.
Or take local flights to Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Boracay, Coron, El Nido, Dakak, Camiguin.
7. For that unlimited shopping.
If you’re not an outdoor person and just like to spend time in colder places, stay inside the Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in the world. Or try haggling prices in Baclaran, a bargain shopping district near Mall of Asia.
How about, after touring Binondo, shop at Divisoria with their wholesale prices. Just make sure you have enough space in your luggage, and it wouldn’t tip-off from the allowable baggage weight.
If you do not like overly hot weather, the best time to visit Manila is between December to February. It has a colder climate during this time and gets to experience a pretty long Christmas celebration during your holiday in Manila.
But, why not take a break and pack now? Book your flight to Manila and be prepared to be greeted with “Mabuhay!” which means long life.
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